Travel reminder from TSA: Leave your military-grade shells at home

Two minors were interviewed by Chicago Police and the FBI after TSA officers at O'Hare International Airport spotted two military-grade shells in their checked baggage yesterday evening.

In case you forgot, large munitions — inert or not, checked or carry-on — don't make for good luggage.

That's what two traveling minors found out yesterday at O'Hare International Airport when they arrived carrying two military-grade shells in their checked baggage yesterday evening.

According to the Transport Security Administration, TSA officials contacted the FBI and Chicago police after the shells were discovered. Law enforcement officials responded and evacuated the baggage room until the items were cleared as inert. The TSA said that while questioning the two passengers, law enforcement officials discovered they were part of a field trip returning from London.

The teens told law enforcement they obtained the shells at a French World War I artillery range. It was not clear how. TSA explosives experts believe they are French 77 mm shells.

The shells were seized Monday evening while the teens were transferring to a flight to Seattle. The teens were questioned then allowed to travel onward. They weren't charged.